2 & 2 - Two Years & Two Months

Dear Ruby,

It's been bugging me that I never wrote you a letter when you turned two. So I decided since you are now 2 years and 2 months I better get it done! Because you are a couple months into being a two year old I can safely say you are acting very age appropriate. Overall you are a busy, sweet, fun, curious little girl but we definitely see glimpses of the "terrible two" streak. You are VERY strong willed and give daddy and I quite a run for our money when it comes to testing the limits. You LOVE to push the boundaries. Needless to say I find myself repeating "pick your battles" silently in my head on a daily basis. Finding a balance between being a fun mom and letting you get away with murder is definitely something I think about, but unfortunately for you it's too important to us to have a well behaved little girl. We've started "time outs" and they seem to be working - you even come and tell me on occasion when you need to "sit time out". Thanks....

Other signs you are very much indeed two:

• You don't like to ride in your stroller. And to make things extra frustrating you are able to open the "child proof" snaps on your stroller so there's no keeping you in.
• You can now EASILY climb in and out of your crib. Thankfully Daddy spooked you mid crib escape so now won't climb out of your crib because it "make Daddy maaad". I can't help but chuckle when you say that. It also blows my mind that making Daddy mad is enough of a deterrent to keep you in the crib. Whatever...
• You are a total bed time staller. It started a few months ago and it cracked me up when I realized what was going on - I was being manipulated by a two year old. You try your hardest to distract and or "buy more time" right before it's time to go to bed. My FAVORITE was when you resorted to asking me to go get my "Pamra" so I could take your picture - I couldn't believe how well you knew how to work your mama!
• You say "Mine" a lot. You also totally understand what it means to share however that doesn't mean you will. I know we'll get there....

Your vocabulary is growing by the hour and we sometimes feel like we live with a little parrot. I'll say something to daddy and I can hear you down the hall repeating the same phrases - "Oh. My. GOSH" and "That SUCKS". The latter of which I am not proud of and have done my best to quit saying. I now understand why my parents didn't like it when I said that all those years ago. Ugh!

Other current Ruby sayings:

• "Ummmmm Yea"
• "Mmm Let's see" Said while looking up and to the side
• "A-mon Fol'me" (Come on follow me)
• "Suit On" Each and everyday you request to put on your bathing suit
• "No Pwinces Charwie" (No Princess Charlie)
• "Ruby Hol dit" (Ruby hold it)
• "Ruby Stay Pub" Said while shaking your head knowingly (Ruby stays in her crib)
• "Ruby's turn!"
• "NO Nap!"
• "Ruby Sad"

A few pictures since you turned two:

You insist on doing "big kid" stuff at the park

Enjoying the heck out of the bounce house at the swap meet!

Being silly on the bridge at Tewinkle park

The Sunday dinner crew. We love these people!

Art with Auntie Meg

"Cheese"

You are a beautiful girl Ruby Grace, inside and out. Daddy and I are so thankful for you - we honestly can't imagine our life without you. These past two years have been filled with so much joy and laughter and I know that we have SO many amazing things ahead of us as a family.

We love you,

Mama & Dada